No 'Holiday Hours' For Social Security's Online Services

GINNY JORDAN Social Security

December 27, 2009|GINNY JORDAN

If you are one of the many who have to conduct business with Social Security over the holiday season, it is good to know that you can use our online services without having to worry about opening or closing times.

That means you can handle your holiday shopping and planning with one less time constraint or worry - and one less "shopping line" to wait in.

Applying for extra help for Medicare prescription drug plan costs available to some beneficiaries.

If you are already a Social Security beneficiary, you can go online to change your address, phone number or direct deposit information, get a replacement Medicare card, or request a proof of income letter.

Social Security's online services are available each work day from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m., on Saturdays from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., and on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. And online services are available on federal holidays - including New Year's Day - from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

You can find the individual operating hours for different online services at www.socialsecurity. gov/onlineservices.

In addition, there is a wealth of information available 24 hours a day on our website that can help answer your questions and get you the information you need, including frequently asked questions, publications and forms, information for specific groups, news and press releases, and even videos and public service announcements.

Q: I'm thinking about getting disability protection from a private company. If I become disabled and have a private policy, would it reduce my Social Security disability benefit?

A: No. Your eligibility for Social Security disability benefits is not affected by any private insurance you may have. However, you may be interested to know that worker's compensation and certain other public disability payments may affect your Social Security benefit.

For more information go to www.socialsecurity. gov or call 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778).